Sonny Leroy Clayton Gardner

Leroy “Sonny” Clayton Gardner of Ochelata passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday July 18th. Sonny was born on April 29th, 1938 to Roy Gardner and Stella (Prather) Gardner in Ochelata, OK. He served in the Army Reserve in 1956 and then graduated from Ochelata High School in 1957. Sonny met the love of his life, Barbara, in 1954 and they were married on August 2nd, 1958 and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this August. After coming out of the Army Reserves Sonny began working with his dad at Gardner Well Service. From 1958-1965 he worked at TWR Reda Pump then in 1965 he began working for Cities Service. Following that, Sonny received his A&P License and went on to be a mechanic, flying 3rd man on Occidental Airplanes, getting the opportunity to see a lot of the country. Sonny retired from Occidental Lake Property at Grand Lake in 2002. Sonny had many hobbies he enjoyed over the years: bird hunting, fishing, gardening a city block, coaching and watching his kids and grandkids sporting events, feeding the local stray cats, visiting Cliff’s, drinking coffee with his good friend Smitty, taking care of his chickens and spending time with his dog Fuzzy. He was known by his family as the comedian and center of attention, never knowing what he was going to say next. Sonny will be forever loved and missed by his friends and family for his years of laughter and the unforgettable memories he created. Sonny is survived by his wife Barbara, of the home, his three children Clayton Gardner and wife Kelly of Tulsa, OK, Bryan Gardner and wife Keri of Bartlesville, OK and Alicia Tinsley and husband Scott of Ochelata, OK. Five grandchildren: Skyler Watters and husband Brandon, April Tinsley, Zach Tinsley and wife Kelsey, Grant Gardner and fiancee Brandie and Gage Gardner. As well as two great-grandchildren Lincoln Tinsley and Rumer Watters. Sonny is also survived by two sisters; Mary Ochler and husband Gary of Ochelata, OK, Sharon Hale and husband Danny of Edmond, OK, as well as one sister-in-law Pat Butler of Ochelata, OK and many nieces and nephews. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Deloris Tuck. Memorial services will be held 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 21st, at the Happy Hill Church in Ramona, Ok. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Sonny Leroy Clayton Gardner

April 29, 1938 - July 18, 2018